HOSPITAL staff in Dorset will be trained on how to spot signs of assault from loan sharks and support patients who have fallen victim to illegal money lending.

Officers from the Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) will be delivering a series of training sessions to NHS staff at four community hospitals in the county throughout February. They will learn how to spot signs of assault and health issues caused by loan sharks and how to signpost patients to the appropriate help and support.

The IMLT – a specialist team that investigates and prosecutes loan sharks – are working with Citizens Advice in North Dorset, Dorchester, and Sherborne to deliver the sessions.

Training is set to take place at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton on Tuesday, February 13, and Tuesday, March 6, from 11am to 1pm.

Tony Quigley, head of the Illegal Money Lending Team, said: "We’re pleased to be working with our partners to deliver these vital loan shark prevention training sessions to healthcare workers.

“Loan sharking is a despicable crime that can happen in all sectors of the community. We encourage victims to come forward and report loan sharks in confidence on 0300 555 2222. All calls are strictly confidential and we will provide victims with a professional welfare officer to support them while we build a case against the loan shark.”

Local GP practices and residential care homes will also be doing their part to raise awareness of the devastating consequences illegal money lending can have on victims. They will be enforcing the stop loan sharks message through staff meetings, posters and internal communications.

Daniel Cadisch, chief officer for Citizens Advice Dorchester, Sherborne and Districts, and North Dorset, said: “We give free, confidential, independent and impartial advice to anyone who is in need of help, including supporting people to deal with their debts and looking at ways to make their money go further. We are pleased to be working with the IMLT to raise awareness of the impact of borrowing from a loan shark."